According to DNR Spokeswoman Angela Goldman, conservation officers say that, Watkins was swept away in the flooded Gnawbone creek behind his home on Hoover Road when he attempted to cross the creek to check on his grandmother, who lived on the other side.

His body was found about three quarters of a mile from where he fell into the water.

Conservation officers and fire department personnel searched for Watkins until early Tuesday morning when the search was called off due to incoming severe weather. The search resumed after the weather passed.

Conservation officers were assisted by officers from the Brown County Sheriff's Department, Nashville Police, and Nashville Fire Department.